iPad 5 vs. iPad 4: leaked casing size comparison

Last week the alleged new iPad 5 front panel leaked, and it looked distinctively smaller than the iPad 4 while retaining the same display size. The rear casing also leaked, and now the video below has been compiled to offer up a casing size comparison to show off where Apple has managed to make savings.

The rumors that Apple is bringing the 5th generation iPad in line with the design of the iPad mini look to be true. The volume control has been split in two to make it more like the iPad mini. The speakers have also been upgraded to look more like the smaller tablet.

The iPad 5 is also slightly thinner, but the biggest and most noticeable change has to be how wide it is. The display size is still 9.7-inches, but the frame has been made thinner so the tablet is now just 17cm wide. The iPad 4 is 18.5cm wide. If you have average-sized hands, according to the video that means you can comfortably grab and hold the iPad 5 with one hand. It’s also sure to be lighter.

There may be a downside to this redesign, though, and that comes in the form of battery life. A smaller unit means less room for batteries. It seems unlikely Apple would want to move too far away from the current iPad’s 10 hour battery life, but they may have to. Unless enough savings have been made in the power draw and component size and layout, the iPad 5 could be forced to carry a slightly smaller battery inside.

We’ve still got a while to wait for the new iPad to be unveiled. Apple’s focus at the moment is on September 10 and the iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C launches. After that, all thoughts will turn to the iPad refresh.